On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the crucial role that autistic individuals play in advancing the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development priorities.

In a statement posted on X, Dr Khaleel highlighted the significant contributions that autistic individuals can make, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges they face in accessing essential services and opportunities available to others.

Dr Khaleel reaffirmed the Government's commitment to fostering neurodiversity by implementing inclusive policies aimed at ensuring accessibility and equality for all. He emphasised the importance of working collectively towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable future, where individuals, irrespective of their neurodivergence, have the opportunity to realise their full potential.

President Mohamed Muizzu echoed these sentiments in his own statement on World Autism Awareness Day. The President emphasised the intrinsic value of every Maldivian child, asserting that autistic children possess exceptional skills and abilities that can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.